The city’s general spending fund could go up by nearly 5% in 2025. City manager David Cooke presented the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget to City Council — and we’re here to turn the 70-page presentation into a quick morning read.
Tax changes
The proposed total operating budget is just under $2.79 billion — $190 million higher than last year — and will include a 0.48-cent property tax increase. The new tax rate will be set at $0.68 cents per $100 valuation. Last year, property taxes decreased 4% in the largest reduction in decades.
Budget biggies
This year’s theme — “Focusing on Foundations” — reflects the city’s priorities for responsible growth, economic development, infrastructure, community safety, and community investment. Here are some of the highlights for the $1.062 billion general fund.
$555 million for Police and Fire departments
Increase from 2024: $20 million
Proposed funds aim to add a new Meet and Confer contract and create an Emergency Medical Services division to absorb service from Medstar, using over half of the general fund for public safety.
$76.5 million for the Park and Recreation departments
Increase from 2024: $5.6 million
Mowing and litter removal, centralized community center customer service, enhanced youth programs + staffing the new Northwest Community Center and Meadowbrook Golf Course, which is set to reopen next year, are where this money could be headed.
$106 million for the Transportation & Public Works Department
Increase from 2024: $8.3 million
Funds will address street repair programs, traffic engineering services, and high-priority capital flood mitigation.
$29.61.2 million for the Fort Worth Public Library
Increase from 2024: $1.7 million
The department’s budget compensates for the transition of the Fort Worth Public Art program management to the library.
$12 million for the City Attorney
Increase from 2024: $2.3 million
Organizational restructuring of the Legislative Affairs committee under the City Attorney’s office is the proposed use of these dollars.
Have thoughts?
Over 10 public budget discussions will take place from Saturday, Aug. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 7. City Council will review the proposal and adopt the final budget on Tuesday, Sept. 17 before the start of the fiscal year on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
